Search Results (68)

The main advantage of using biomass for energy generation is the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. For a fast reduction effect, it is important to use biomass characterised by an annual growth cycle. These may be fallen leaves. The fuel properties of the leaves can change during the growth period. These changes can result from both the natural growth process and environmental factors—particulate matter adsorption. The main objective was to determine changes in the characteristics of leaves and needles during the growth period (from May to October). Furthermore, to determine the effect of adsorbed particulate matter, the washing process was carried out. Studies were carried out for three tree species: Norway maple, horse chestnut and European larch. Proximate and ultimate analysis was performed and mercury content was determined. During the growth period, beneficial changes were observed: an increase in carbon content and a decrease in hydrogen and sulphur content. The unfavourable change was a significant increase in ash content, which caused a decrease in calorific value. The increase in ash content was caused by adsorbed particulate matter. They were mostly absorbed by the tissues of the needle and leaves and could not be removed by washing the surface. Full article

Aim: To prepare two different kinds of wound care creams containing plant extracts and examine their effectiveness in comparison with a placebo cream and a commercial wound care cream, Madecassol^®. Methods: The two cream formulations were developed using the same placebo cream (PC) as base cream. One formulation contained balsam of oriental sweet gum, or Levant storax, named as Levant Storax Cream (LSC); the other contained oil of Calendula, extract of St. John’s Wort, aescin (an extract of horse chestnut), and freeze-dried powder from Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. leaf juice, designated as Complex Cream (CC). In the characterization of the creams, organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, size distribution, and zeta potential of oil globules were measured. Furthermore, the stability of the creams was assessed under different environmental conditions. In vitro studies were performed by using an excisional wound model in rats to assess the potential of the creams for stimulating wound healing. The efficacy of LSC and CC was compared with a commercial reference cream, Madecassol^® (M), and the placebo control. The study was also designed with a negative control group of rats that were not treated but handled the same way as the other treatment groups. The wound contraction rate, total skin thickness recovery, and results of histopathological parameter examinations were used to compare the effectiveness of the treatments. Results: The stability of formulated creams confirmed that they were stable for the duration of the study. In vivo studies showed that rats treated with LSC achieved the highest wound healing rates when compared with the other groups. A better response was recorded for the CC-treated population when compared to both control and placebo groups, but there was no significant difference seen in healing score between CC and M groups. Full article

The increasing interest in fibre-enriched and functional bakery products has led to the exploration of novel plant-based ingredients with both technological functionality and consumer acceptance. This study evaluates the effects of incorporating flours derived from apple (Malus domestica cv. Oberländer Himbeerapfel), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), and red, sessile, and pedunculate oak (Quercus rubra, Q. petraea, and Q. robur) into wheat bread at 5%, 10%, and 15% substitution levels. The impact on crumb structure, crust colour, textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness), and sensory attributes was assessed. The inclusion of apple and sweet chestnut flours resulted in a softer crumb, lower adhesiveness, and higher sensory scores related to flavour, aroma, and crust appearance. In contrast, higher levels of oak- and horse-chestnut-derived flours increased crumb hardness and reduced overall acceptability due to bitterness or excessive density. Apple flour preserved crumb brightness and contributed to warm tones, while oak flours caused more intense crust darkening. These findings suggest that selected non-traditional flours, especially apple and sweet chestnut, can enhance the sensory and physical properties of wheat bread, supporting the development of fibre-rich, clean-label formulations aligned with consumer trends in sustainable and functional baking. Full article

The aim of this paper was to obtain activated biocarbons from the natural biomass of horse chestnut seeds (Aesculus hippocastanum) by physical activation with two different activating agents, carbon dioxide and water vapor, and to evaluate their structural and adsorption properties. The effect of the pyrolysis atmosphere on the surface development and porosity as well as the structure and adsorption properties of the materials in relation to the selected organic adsorbates (tetracycline (TC), naproxen (NPX), and methyl orange (MO)), which may constitute a potential contamination of the aquatic environment, was evaluated. Activated biocarbons were characterized using N₂ low-temperature adsorption/desorption, Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The nature of the surface (pH_pzc and Boehm titration) was also studied. Micro/mesoporous biocarbons were obtained with an S_BET area in the range of ~534 to 646 m²/g, in which micropores constituted ~70%. It was proved that the obtained materials are characterized by high adsorption values (~120 mg/g, ~150 mg/g, and ~252 mg/g) and removal rates %R (~80%, ~95%, and ~75%) for TC, NPX, and MO, respectively. The results indicate that chestnut-derived activated biocarbons are a promising, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for removing organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. Future research should focus on optimizing activation parameters and assessing the long-term performance of adsorbents. Full article

The irradiation by gamma-rays is a widely used technique for disinfection in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In view of growing concerns by consumers about this technique, further investigation of the effects of radiation is required. In this work electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was applied to study the free radicals in irradiated horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) seeds and to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) using the stable DPPH radical. In order to evaluate the antiradical potential, a spectrophotometric study was also used. The identification and quantification of some individual polyphenol compounds before and after irradiation by 1, 5, and 10 kGy gamma rays of peeled and shell seeds were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The EPR spectrum recorded on irradiated horse chestnut is a typical signal for irradiated cellulose-contained substances. The results show that the signal is stable, and it can be found in the samples irradiated with a dose of 1 kGy, 45 days after treatment, whereas for samples irradiated by 5 and 10 kGy, it is even found 250 days later. The study showed that free radical scavenging activity increases in shell seeds, while it decreases in peeled seed extracts after irradiation depending on the dosage, which corresponds to the total phenolic content. Shell seed extracts have significantly stronger antiradical activity than that of peeled seeds. Regarding the HPLC analysis, some polyphenolics were degraded and others were formed as a result of irradiation. The irradiation by 5 kGy dosage has a most significant positive effect on the antioxidant potential of shell chestnut seeds. Full article

This study investigates the content of some metals and metalloids in the flowers of three Aesculus cultivars (AHP, Aesculus hippocastanum pure species, with white flowers; AHH, Aesculus hippocastanum hybrid species, with pink flowers; and AXC, Aesculus × carnea, with red flowers) over a four-year period (2016–2019) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and principal component analysis (PCA). The research focuses on assessing macro- and micro-elemental compositions, identifying variations in mineral uptake, and exploring potential correlations with soil composition. Results highlight significant differences in elemental profiles among the three species, despite similar total ash content. Potassium and phosphorus emerged as dominant macroelements, with AXC showing lower magnesium levels compared to AHP and AHH. Particularly intriguing was the detection of antimony in all cultivars, raising questions about its role and bioaccumulation pathways in floral tissues. Iron and aluminum concentrations varied significantly across species, indicating species-specific metal transport mechanisms. Nickel content showed temporal fluctuations, potentially influenced by climatic conditions and soil properties. PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns, linking elemental concentrations to specific species and years. This comprehensive analysis enhances understanding of metal absorption and distribution in ornamental plants, providing insights into their metabolic processes and potential implications for environmental monitoring and phytoremediation strategies. Full article

This study presents findings on the metal and metalloid composition of red horse-chestnut (Aesculus × carnea, AXC) seeds, determined by the ICP OES technique. Samples were collected from five AXC plants located in Modena (Italy) over four consecutive years (2016–2019). The seeds underwent proximate analysis, which included measurements of moisture content, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ash, and elemental composition. The analysis revealed consistent values for these parameters throughout the study period. The metal content of the AXC seeds can be categorized into two groups: (i) major components, with concentrations ranging from 1 to <1500 mg/100 g dry basis (d.b.), where K was identified as the most abundant element, and (ii) minor constituents, with concentrations between 1 and <1000 μg/100 g d.b., with Li, Mo, and Ti at the lower concentration limit. Comparative analyses were performed using literature data on AHP and AHH seeds, which, like AXC, belong to the Sapindaceae family and were collected from the same area and period. A hydroalcoholic extract of AXC seeds was prepared annually and characterized, with results compared to a commercial product (AXC_herb). AXC extracts had approximately 30% higher analyte concentrations than AXC_herb, while AXC seeds showed 20–30% higher metal and metalloid levels than AHP and AHH. Full article

The alien leaf miner Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) is damaging horse chestnuts in European countries. Since native natural enemies cannot control the moth, integrated control strategies must be implemented. In north-eastern Italy, from 1997 to 2020, sampling was performed on 55 sites to record the presence of and estimate the leaf damage caused by C. ohridella and the fungus Guignardia aesculi. The level of leaf removal from the ground in autumn was estimated, and information on altitude (199–1294 m a.s.l.), average annual temperature (4.4–11.9 °C) and rainfall (954–1394 mm), and the occurrence of trunk injection with abamectin was collected. Damage caused by the leaf miner and the fungus declined with decreasing temperatures, with negligible damage at sites with average annual temperatures below 7 °C (above 1000 m a.s.l. in the study area). Since, in the study sites, complete leaf removal provided comparable efficacy to trunk injections with abamectin, we suggest adopting this environmentally friendly practice to maintain C. ohridella below damaging levels. Interspecific competition occurred between C. ohridella and G. aesculi because leaf damage from one competitor decreased as damage from the other increased. Full article

The invasive pest Cameraria ohridella annually colonizes trees of the genus Aesculus across Europe, causing dark brown damage called mines that gradually cover the leaf surface. This study aimed to compare the VOC profiles emitted by chestnut tree leaves with varying susceptibility to the pest and assess whether these profiles change due to larval feeding. The research involved a susceptible tree (Ae. turbinata) and resistant trees (Ae. glabra and Ae. parviflora). Over three growing seasons (2014, 2015, 2016), leaf damage and the profile of VOCs were analyzed biweekly from May to September. Leaf damage increased progressively in Ae. turbinata during all seasons. The VOC profiles differed both qualitatively and quantitatively among the trees and across years. More VOCs were identified in 2014 and 2015 than in 2016. The susceptible Ae. turbinata exhibited the highest VOC diversity in 2014, aligning with severe leaf damage—profiles of VOCs in Ae. turbinata were different from resistant trees. Statistical analysis revealed that in 2014 and 2015, differences in the profile of VOCs between susceptible and resistant trees were apparent near pest-feeding dates. In 2016, VOCs significantly distinguished the profile of susceptible trees that were present before the appearance of the first generation of the pest. Full article

The periderm plays a crucial role in trees, acting as a barrier protecting internal tissues against biotic and abiotic stresses, thus having an impact on tree physiology, ecology, and general performance. It consists of the meristematic phellogen, whose activity gives rise to suberized phellem (cork) cells outwardly and the parenchymatous phelloderm inwardly. Despite the periderm importance, intra-annual and seasonal changes in phellogen activity and phellem and phelloderm differentiation are poorly recognized. Therefore, we aimed to compare periderm development and functioning in successive years in horse chestnut, utilizing standard histological methods. We distinguished six stages of periderm development, including phellogen initiation and the differentiation of its derivatives. In the following years, the phellogen was active for a similar period, but produced fewer derivative cells. Importantly, some phellogen cells lost their meristematic characteristics before the end of the season and differentiated into phellem. To maintain periderm integrity, the remaining phelloderm cells underwent divisions, leading to phellogen re-initiation. Alternatively, when all periderm cells differentiated into the phellem, the new (subsidiary) phellogen originated from the underneath collenchyma. We postulate that phellogen re-initiation could be a mechanism ensuring the functional integrity of the periderm and discuss the role of phelloderm or collenchyma cells in this process. Full article

Recently there has been growing interest in dyeing biomaterials using natural sustainable plant extracts classified as eco-friendly. The microwave-assisted method provides fast heating and energy efficiency, more homogenous heat distribution in dyeing baths, less use of chemicals, and less heat loss, resulting in this method being greener—more sustainable and ecological. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to predict the dyeing properties of fibers, which are often complex and dependent on multiple variables. This saves time and reduces costs compared to trial-and-error methods. This study presents the green dyeing of merino wool fiber with natural dye extracted from Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) shells using the microwave-assisted method. Before dyeing, the merino wool fiber underwent a pre-mordanted process with aluminum potassium sulfate with different concentrations using the microwave-assisted method. Spectrophotometric analysis of the light, washing, and rubbing fastness of the dyed merino wool fibers was performed. The color strength, light, washing, and rubbing fastness of the dyed merino wool fiber were developed using the pre-mordanting process. After the pre-mordanting process, the light fastness of the samples improved from 1–2 to 3, the color change increased from 2 to 3–4, and the rubbing fastness developed from 2–3 to 4 according to mordant concentration, mordanting time, and dyeing time quantities. The spectrophotometric analysis results indicate that color coordinates vary based on mordant concentration, mordanting, and dyeing duration. Furthermore, the results proved that microwave energy significantly shortened the mordanting and dyeing duration, resulting in an eco-friendly dyeing process. In this investigation, a feed-forward neural network (FFNN) model with sigmoid hidden neurons and a linear output neuron was used to predict the color strength dyeing property of merino wool fiber. Experimental results showed that the proposed model achieved a regression value of 0.9 for the color strength dyeing property. As demonstrated, the proposed FFNN model is effective and can be utilized to forecast the color strength dyeing properties of merino wool fiber. Full article

The susceptibility of seven species of chestnuts to the horse chestnut leaf miner was studied in the arboretum of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS), taking into account their interspecific characteristics. Using pheromone delta traps, the highest number of Cameraria ohridella moths was shown for Aesculus hippocastanum and the lowest for Aesculus chinensis. A number of anatomical parameters of leaves were investigated, such as the thickness of the epidermal cell wall and the thickness of the palisade and spongy parenchyma layers. As a result, it was shown that the most infected chestnut species had a greater thickness of the nutritious parenchyma tissue. No dependence was found between the degree of susceptibility to the horse chestnut leaf miner and such indicators as the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids in the leaves of seven species of chestnuts. Nevertheless, resistance of different species of the genus Aesculus to Cameraria ohridella under increased tannin content in leaves has been shown. Evaluation of phenolic compounds and flavonoids has not established their reliable role as repellents. The high levels of carbohydrates found during the study contributed to increased susceptibility to the horse chestnut leaf miner. Full article

Escin, extracted from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) has anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to treat several clinical conditions, including venous insufficiency, pain, inflammation, and edema. Considering escin’s pharmacodynamic, the inhibition of the bradykinin pathway represents a particular effect, decreasing the local edema and conferring an advantage in comparison to other compounds. In this narrative review, we described the effects of escin considering its effects on bradykinin pathway. Full article

Slavonia is the most developed agricultural region in Croatia. With rich and fertile soils that have enabled the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, Slavonia has always met the food needs of its population. Today, the biocultural diversity of local varieties and semi-natural vegetation has irretrievably disappeared. Our aim was to document the remaining local knowledge of plant use in this area through in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were conducted in 2022–2023. All possible aspects of the use of plants and fungi were recorded as food, animal feed, medicine, construction, jewelry, rituals and ceremonies, dyes, etc. The names and uses of local plant varieties were also recorded. The results show 1702 entries—a total of 296 plant taxa from 76 families and 28 fungi from 16 families. The most frequently named plants were: Urtica dioica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rosa canina, and Sambucus nigra. The plants with the greatest variety of uses were Morus alba, Rosmarinus officinalis, Triticum aestivum, and Zea mays. Interesting uses were identified. The leaves of the ornamental plant Hosta sieboldiana are still used today as food for wrapping meat with rice, the aquatic plant Trapa natans is eaten like chestnuts, and Pteridium aquilinum was once consumed as a vegetable. In addition, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Sambucus ebulus were given to horses to prevent and avoid blood poisoning. Some forest species had a special significance and were revered or favored. The most frequently mentioned edible fungi were Boletus sp., Cantharellus cibarius, and Lactarius piperatus. Auricularia auricula-judae is the only species stated to have been used exclusively as a raw snack. Evidence of edible use of Sarccoscypha coccinea, which was reported as traditionally consumed in the past, was of particular interest. Despite the modernization and agricultural nature of the region, many interesting uses of plants and fungi were identified. Further efforts should be directed towards documenting this knowledge to facilitate its dissemination in the communities that possess it, or at least to preserve it for future generations. Full article

Improving the quality of tree planting material for carbon sequestration through reforestation can help solve environmental problems, including the need to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using humic substances in combination with rhizosphere microorganisms Pseudomonas protegens DA1.2 and Pseudomonas sp. 4CH as a means to stimulate the growth of seedlings of pine, poplar, large-leaved linden, red oak, horse chestnut, and rowan. Humic substances stimulated the growth of shoots and roots of pine, large-leaved linden, and horse chestnut seedlings. The effects of bacteria depended on both plant and bacteria species: Pseudomonas protegens DA1.2 showed a higher stimulatory effect than Pseudomonas sp. 4CH on pine and linden, and Pseudomonas sp. 4CH was more effective in the case of chestnut. An additive effect of humates and Pseudomonas protegens DA1.2 on the growth rate of pine and linden saplings was discovered. Poplar, red oak, and rowan seedlings were unresponsive to the treatments. The growth-stimulating effects of the treatments are discussed in connection with the changes in carbon, chlorophyll, and nitrogen contents in plants. The results show the need for further research in bacterial species capable of stimulating the growth of plant species that were unresponsive in the present experiments. Full article